big

From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishbigbig1 /bɪɡ/ ●●●S1W1 adjective (comparative bigger, superlative biggest)1sizeSIZEBIG of more than averagesize or amounta big houseI need a bigger desk.She had a big grin on her face.a big increase in crimeLos Angeles is the biggest city in California.The garage isn’t big enough for two cars.When they lose, they lose in a big way (=to a large degree).There was this great big (=extremely big) spider in the sink.► see thesaurus at fat2importantIMPORTANT important and seriousa big decisionBuying your own house is a big commitment.The big game is on Friday.There’s a big difference between understanding something and being able to explain it to others.Everyone was getting ready for the big day (=a day when an important event will happen).► see thesaurus at important3SUCCESSFULPOPULARpopular/successfulsuccessful or popular, especially in business or entertainmentJulia Roberts became a big star.She’s very big in Australia.After years as a small-time actor, he suddenly made it big (=became very successful) in Hollywood.the big boys (=the most powerful people or companies) →big cheese, big noise, → big shotat shot1(14), → big time14oldera)big sister/brotherFAMILY your older sister or brotherb)OLD/NOT NEWolder or more like an adult – used especially by children or when you are talking to childrenCome on, don’t cry. You’re a big girl now.5large degreeA LOT [only before noun] informalLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNTa)doing something to a large degreea big eater/drinker/spender etcDes is a big gambler, you know.be a big fan/admirer of somebody/somethingb)done to a large degree or with great energygive somebody a big hug/kissMama gave me a big hug.give somebody a big hand (=hit your hands together with enthusiasm, to show you have enjoyed a performance)6BADbad [only before noun] informal used to emphasize how bad something isAIDS remains a big problem in many parts of the world.Buying that house was a big mistake.I never said that, you big liar!7 →have big ideas/plans8 →be big on something9 →what’s the big idea?10 →it is big of somebody to do something11 →big mouth12letters informal big letters are capitals, for example G, R, A etc13words informal big words are long or unusual and are difficult to read or understand14 →be/get too big for your boots15 →use/wield the big stick16 →a big girl’s blouse17 →big up (to/for) somebody → think bigat think1(38)GRAMMAR: Order of adjectivesIf there is more than one adjective, the adjectives are usually used in a fixed order.You say: That’s a lovely big tree.✗Don’t say: That’s a big lovely tree.You say: The title was in big black letters.✗Don’t say: The title was in black big letters.THESAURUSbiga big citya big guya big mistakeLack of funding is the biggest problem.Getting a car has made a big difference to my life.large a slightly more formalword than big, used to describeobjects and amountsa large bowlLarge areas of the forest have been destroyed.The museum attracts a large number of visitors.major [only before noun] big and importantPollution is a major problem.There has been a major change in government policy.considerable/substantial quite big – used especially about amountsThey have spent a considerable amount of money on the project.A substantial amount of heat is lost through the windows.He had a considerable influence on young musicians.very bighuge/massive/enormous extremely bigThe table was enormous.a huge explosionTheir house is huge.There is a huge amount of work to be done.There has been a massive increase in oil prices.The company is massive, operating in 150 countries.A massive fire destroyed more than thirty homes.He’s been under an enormous amount of stress recently.The changes will have an enormous impact.great [only before noun] very big – used especially to describe the level or number of somethingHe achieved great success in America.The college offers a great number of courses.a great advantagevast extremely big – used about areas, distances, numbers, or amountsvast areas of rainforestA vast number of tourists visit the island every year.gigantic extremely big and much bigger than other things of the same typeGigantic waves crashed onto the beach.colossal extremely big – used about amounts or objectsJames ran up a colossal phone bill.a colossal statue of Napoleontremendous having an extremely big effectThere have been some tremendous changes. My new job will be a tremendous challenge.The children were making a tremendous amount of noise.